Prof. Yong-Nan Liu | Macrofungi | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yong-Nan Liu, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, China

Prof. Yong-Nan Liu is an Associate Professor at Central South University of Forestry and Technology, China, specializing in microbiology with a focus on medicinal mushrooms. His groundbreaking research has elucidated molecular pathways regulating ganoderic acid biosynthesis under stress conditions, including the role of phosphatidic acid, mTOR, and SREBP. He has led several national and provincial research projects and published extensively in high-impact journals such as Communications Biology and Environmental Microbiology. His contributions significantly advance the understanding of bioactive compounds in fungi with pharmaceutical potential, earning him recognition as a leading figure in fungal biotechnology.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Yong-Nan Liu began his scholarly journey with a deep-rooted interest in the biological sciences, which eventually led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Microbiology. His early academic pursuits were marked by a profound curiosity about the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of mushrooms, especially those with medicinal properties. From the beginning, Prof. Liu demonstrated a keen eye for cellular biochemistry and fungal physiology, distinguishing himself as a student with both analytical brilliance and a drive for discovery. His doctoral work laid a strong foundation for his future research into the bioactive compounds produced by fungi, focusing on their nutritional and pharmacological potential.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

As an Associate Professor at the Central South University of Forestry and Technology in China, Prof. Liu has emerged as a dedicated educator and leading researcher. His professional career is defined by a dual commitment to mentoring young scientists and conducting high-impact research. He has undertaken several pivotal projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and provincial bodies like the Hunan Science and Technology Innovation Program.

His laboratory is a hub of cutting-edge research in fungal biology, where he explores the metabolic pathways and stress responses of medicinal fungi such as Ganoderma lingzhi and Sanghuangporus lonicericola. Prof. Liu integrates advanced biochemical and molecular techniques to understand how environmental factors, such as heat stress or lipid exposure, influence secondary metabolite production in mushrooms.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Liu’s most notable scientific contributions revolve around the discovery of how specific molecular pathways regulate the biosynthesis of ganoderic acid and other terpenoids in mushrooms. His groundbreaking research revealed that phosphatidic acid directly activates the mTOR signaling pathway, which in turn regulates SREBP—a key transcription factor—in the biosynthesis of ganoderic acid under heat stress conditions in Ganoderma lingzhi. This discovery has significant implications for optimizing mushroom cultivation for pharmaceutical applications.

He further explored the molecular mechanisms of unsaturated fatty acid-induced terpenoid biosynthesis in Sanghuangporus lonicericola, expanding the understanding of how lipids influence fungal metabolism. His multi-omics approach, combined with deep molecular analysis, places him at the forefront of fungal biotechnology.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Liu’s excellence in research has been recognized with prestigious grants, including multiple national and provincial projects. His publications in high-impact journals such as Communications Biology, Environmental Microbiology, and NPJ Science of Food have garnered significant academic attention. Several of his papers are authored as first or corresponding author, a testament to his leadership in the field.

He has received support from elite funding agencies such as:

• National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31900027)

• China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2020M682601)

• Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (Grant No. 2024JJ5629)

Though Prof. Liu has not yet published books or secured patents, his work has laid a solid groundwork for future technological innovations and industry collaborations.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Prof. Liu’s research has broad implications not only in academic circles but also for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. By deciphering the biochemical basis of ganoderic acid and terpenoid biosynthesis, his work contributes to improving the commercial cultivation of medicinal fungi. His findings aid in the development of functional foods, natural therapeutics, and bioproducts, boosting both public health and bioeconomy sectors.

In addition, he actively mentors graduate students and young researchers, fostering a new generation of scientists equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. His lab acts as a training ground for innovative thinkers passionate about mushroom biotechnology and bioactive compounds.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Yong-Nan Liu is steadily building a legacy as a pioneering researcher in the molecular biology of medicinal fungi. With a solid foundation of impactful research and funding support, his future contributions are poised to further transform the fields of mycology, biochemistry, and natural product pharmacology. He plans to extend his work into exploring genome editing techniques, synthetic biology applications, and AI-based modeling of metabolic pathways in fungi.

As a scientist dedicated to both knowledge creation and societal benefit, Prof. Liu embodies the ideal of a modern researcher—innovative, collaborative, and impactful. His continued contributions promise to expand the understanding of fungal secondary metabolism and its applications in health, nutrition, and sustainable biotechnology.

📂Publication Top Notes